Most Ideal Jobs for Type A Personalities

The best job for you could depend on the type of personality you have. If you're a Type A, this means some career paths are likely to be better for you than others.

The concept of the Type A personality arose in the 1950s as a risk factor for heart disease. People with Type A personalities tend to be ambitious, goal-oriented, and focused. They're likely to be risk takers who dislike routine and are great at multitasking. They're change-oriented, deadline-driven, and take a no-nonsense approach.

While Type A personalities are ambitious high achievers, their personality also comes with some drawbacks. Type A's are often time starved, too competitive, controlling, rushed, and impatient. They experience a constant sense of urgency that can lead to feelings of stress. Type A's often schedule their commitments in tight increments, another stress factor.

If this describes you, it's important to take a look at which career paths will be best for your personality. A job that doesn't suit your individual personality can mean you'll be uncomfortable at best — and unsuccessful at worst. Here are the most ideal jobs for Type A personalities:

Business. The world of business is fast-paced and requires the multitasking abilities most Type A people possess. Be sure to research a company's values and culture prior to committing to a position. Because environmental factors tend to have an impact on a Type A's stress levels, it's important to ensure your working environment is one in which you're comfortable and can eliminate triggers for stress.

Entrepreneurship. Type A's are self-starters, meaning they have the gusto to motivate themselves into taking all of the necessary steps to complete whatever project they're tasked with. This type of dedication lends itself to entrepreneurial work, which is challenging and requires a self-motivated attitude-perfect for Type A's.

Leadership. Leadership roles offer Type A's an outlet to harness their ambitious demeanor and put their organizational skills and focus on efficiency into practice. Type A's are also status conscious, making leadership or management roles a good fit. One challenge of being a leader with a Type A personality means overcoming the tendency to be high strung, aggressive, or controlling. Keeping a balance between leading, listening, and collaborating is the key.

Public Policy. Public policy, advocacy, or political work provides an excellent opportunity for Type A's to harness their take-charge attitude. Work in public policy can be draining and requires someone who has the self-motivation to see projects through to the very end, despite any bumps along the way. Type A's are self-critical, meaning a commitment to personal values is what will help them to succeed in public policy positions.

Type A personalities face unique challenges in their career paths. Their self-motivated, go-getter attitude means they'll likely be high achievers if they choose a position and working environment that caters to their strengths.